• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
    • Baby
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Appetizers
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef & Pork
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Pizza & Flatbreads
      • Pasta & Grains
      • Salads & Vegetables
      • Sandwiches
      • Soups
    • Paleo
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Snacks
    • Spiralized
  • 30 Min Recipes
  • Meal Prep Meals
  • Meal Plans
  • shop
  • Contact
    • Press
    • Nutritional Disclaimer
    • Work with Me

With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

3 September 3, 2014 Chicken & Poultry

Ranch Quinoa Encrusted Chicken Fingers with BBQ Mustard

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner! 

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner! #glutenfree #chickenstrips #BBQ #dinner” alt=”alt description” />

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

If I were to ask you what food comes to mind when you think about your childhood, what would it be?

It is rather hard to narrow down from the ginormous list that makes up my younger years. But a few seem to shine brighter than others. Oreo pudding cake, dippin dots, animal crackers, Honeycomb, pop tarts, strawberry fruit snacks and chicken fingers.

Never failed, every time we ventured out to eat, I could be counted on to order the chicken fingers if they graced the menu. And what restaurant wouldn’t have them on a kids menu?! With my large consumption, my mother always said I was going to turn into a chicken finger.

I am glad that never happened. It would be rather awkward. For everyone…

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

Fastforward to a the present day, I relive all my childhood favorite memories of chicken fingers but in my own household, with a much healthier flare to a old flame.

Was it is about forgoing silverware and just diving into your dinner with your hands? I don’t know what else can take you back and scream comfort food? Whenever we are feeling like a down home meal that is out of the ordinary, we know what to hit up. These bad boys.

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

Do you love ranch? I feel like it is a love or hate sorta thing. I just can’t get enough of it lately!  So needless to say, I am on the love it side! Quinoa is cooked like normal over the stovetop, and at the end, ranch seasoning is mixed in to bump up the flavor. The quinoa is then spread out into a thin layer, and gets a bake in the oven to dry out. This is the secret tip to get some major crunch on those fingers! Quinoa is the perfect gluten free substitute that provides a wholesome, deep flavor, than the typical breadcrumbs or panko. By slightly drying out the quinoa ahead of time, it ensures your coating is crispy and not soggy. Plus it is a nutritional powerhouse with amino acids, fiber and protein! 

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

The BBQ Mustard quickly became a favorite condiment in our house after our recent trip to Chicago. We were grabbing a snack and cocktail after walking too many miles with our luggage in tow, and found a BBQ joint (of all places, a midwestern’s dream!), ordered up some sweet potato fries and dipped right into a big pool of BBQ Mustard. And our taste buds started to sing! It was a spicy, yet subtly sweet sauce with more mustard than BBQ. The spicy mustard shined here and I instantly stated that this must be made the moment we got home.

Needless to say, it wasn’t too long that we were trying to find anything and everything at meal time to pour the liquid gold onto.

Now excuse me while I go dive into my twelve year old days of chowing down on chicken fingers.

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

Ranch Quinoa Encrusted Chicken Fingers with BBQ Mustard

Chicken Fingers made over by encrusting in ranch seasoned quinoa for major crunch! And served with a two ingredient sauce of BBQ and mustard make for one delicious dinner!

20 minPrep Time

60 minCook Time

1 hr, 20 Total Time

Yields 5-6

Author:

Megan

Recipe Image
Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe
My Recipes My Lists My Calendar

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 2 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup gluten free flour (or regular if not sensitive)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/3 cup dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to packages instructions.
  2. When quinoa is done, add ranch seasoning and mix in well.
  3. Preheat oven to 415 degrees F.
  4. Spread out evenly onto parchment or silicon baking mat. Bake for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Meanwhile, add egg white to a small bowl. In another small bowl, add flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  6. When quinoa is done cooking, add to another small bowl. Set, in order, the flour bowl, egg white bowl then the bowl with the quinoa.
  7. Prepare a baking ban with a wire rack sitting on top of a rimmed baking sheet and spray wire rack with cooking spray.
  8. To dredge, dip one chicken piece into the flour and lightly cover. Tap any access off and dip into egg whites. Then dip into quinoa. Cover completely then lay onto wire rack. Repeat with all chicken until all are done.
  9. Add to oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. While chicken is baking, in a small bowl mix BBQ sauce and mustard.
  11. When chicken is done, remove from oven and serve immediately with BBQ mustard sauce.

Notes

*Recipe inspired and adapted from Half Baked Harvest

7.8.1.2
107
https://withsaltandwit.com/ranch-quinoa-encrusted-chicken-fingers/

Craving more healthy chicken dinners?

A classic Chinese dish gets a healthy makeover! Lighter PF Changs Cashew Chicken with Coconut Quinoa allows you get your fill of your favorite restaurant dish with crisp vegetables and served over flavorful, fluffy quinoa!

{Lighter} PF Changs Cashew Chicken with Coconut Quinoa

Enchilada Chicken Meatball Sub Sandwiches madeover with lean, ground chicken, enchilada sauce, multigrain rolls and dipped into a skinny queso dip! And they are cooked in the slow cooker to make dinner a breeze!

{Slow Cooker} Enchilada Chicken Meatball Sub Sandwiches with Skinny Queso Dipping Sauce

A sweet and smoky chicken salad, made lighter with greek yogurt, cranberries, celery and grapes that pairs wonderful with a croissant, whole grain wrap or with lettuce for a guilt free meal! #skinny #glutenfree #highprotein #lowcarb

Momma’s {Skinny} Pink Chicken Salad

If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #HOUSEWIFEINTRAININGFILES. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

3

Categories: Chicken & Poultry Tags: BBQ, chicken, dinner, gluten free, healthy, mustard, quinoa, ranch, sauce

Interested in easy recipes with meal prep tips?

Sign up & receive
- My Weekly Meal Planner
- Plus, you'll receive my FREE Top 15 Make Ahead Recipes eBook!

Previous Post: « Sweet Corn, Cherry Tomato & Zucchini Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Next Post: Double Chocolate Granola Bars »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    September 3, 2014 at 6:41 am

    GAH! These fingers! I love chicken fingers and using quinoa as a crust. And all that goodness with BBQ mustard? I am SO IN! Pinned!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 3, 2014 at 6:47 am

      Oh ya?! Great minds think alike then!!! Thanks, lady!
      Reply
  2. Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says

    September 3, 2014 at 7:07 am

    Delish! Love the quinoa crust AND how you dressed up the mustard...or should I say BBQ sauce. :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 3, 2014 at 7:52 am

      Well thank you Marjory! It has become a fav in our house for sure!!
      Reply
  3. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says

    September 3, 2014 at 7:39 am

    I'd just eat the quinoa with ranch! That itself sounds divine. Then you went and crusted it onto chicken fingers and I died of happiness!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 3, 2014 at 7:53 am

      I like the way you think! I may or may not have snuck some spoonfuls of the ranch quinoa! Thanks, Kim!
      Reply
  4. Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says

    September 3, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    Shut the front door! Liquid Gold and my favorite childhood food! Muah!!! Love this recipe Meg, pretty sure this needs to happen at my house asap... and I may or may not sure the "goods" with the rest of my family. YUM! Gorg pics too girl!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:50 pm

      Oh thank you so much, Krista!!! I can't wait to hear how they turned out. And yes you definitely need to make a 'tester' batch. You know for QA purposes ;)
      Reply
  5. kelley {mountain mama cooks} says

    September 4, 2014 at 9:07 am

    My favorite childhood meal was grilled cheese, french fries and ranch dressing to dip it all in! I also ate my fair share of Captain Crunch and anything bready and doughy!! These look unreal! I love the crunchy quinoa and ranch combo!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:49 pm

      Oh gosh! I forgot about grilled cheese. That was a fav as well! Thanks, Kelley!
      Reply
  6. Russell from Chasing Delicious says

    September 4, 2014 at 10:34 am

    What a great way to spicy up chicken fingers! I love it!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:48 pm

      Thanks, Russell! Love adding a lil flare to them!
      Reply
  7. Jeni says

    September 4, 2014 at 11:22 am

    What a great recipe! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to try this out on my family!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:48 pm

      I love hearing that. You have to tell me how it goes! Thanks, Jeni!
      Reply
  8. Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says

    September 4, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    I love chicken fingers and using quinoa as a crust is a very claver idea!!! Pinned!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:47 pm

      Well thank you Olivia!
      Reply
  9. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    September 4, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I love the dipping sauce for these - and quinoa encrusted? These are amazing! I am so obsessed with quinoa and will definitely be trying these out soon! Pinned :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 4, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      Yes! That sauce is gone in two seconds around our house! Thanks, Chelsea!
      Reply
  10. Alaina {Fabtastic Eats} says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:25 am

    yum! that sauce sounds killer! love the quinoa, I bet it adds such a great texture! My kids love chicken fingers, what a great way to make them healthier for them!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 9, 2014 at 6:38 am

      Ohhhh I may or may not have eaten it with a spoon it was that good! Just so simple! And I hope you love em; thanks girl!
      Reply
  11. Mallory @ Chocolate with Grace says

    November 11, 2014 at 6:07 am

    Such a healthy, but easy dinner. I love the flavors too!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 6:35 am

      That they are for sure! Thanks Mallory!
      Reply
  12. Sarah says

    November 11, 2014 at 6:50 am

    What a great idea! I'm sure this will be a hit with my family. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      I hope so! Thanks Sarah!
      Reply
  13. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says

    November 11, 2014 at 7:23 am

    I'm glad you didn't turn into a chicken finger, too. But if you did I think dipping yourself in mustard BBQ sauce would probably fix the problem. These look awesome! And might convince my children that they do like quinoa.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Tehehe, right?! Thanks Heather!! And for sure! I bet they would be all over these :)
      Reply
  14. janelle says

    November 11, 2014 at 7:36 am

    Looks crunchy delicious! I love that you used quinoa. The BBQ mustard looks amazing. Can't wait to try this.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks Janelle!! I hope you love it :)
      Reply
  15. Lynn Lovejoy @ Order in the Kitchen says

    November 11, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Oh wow these look SO good!! love the quinoa crust idea!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks beautiful!
      Reply
  16. heather @french press says

    November 11, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    who doesn't love chicken fingers, they are SO good! and a quinoa crust, that is brilliant!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      I know right?! Thanks Heather!
      Reply
  17. Danae @ Recipe Runner says

    November 11, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Chicken fingers were a total favorite of mine when I was a kid! I love the crunchy quinoa on the outside of these ones!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 11, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      Aren't they the best?! Thanks Danae!
      Reply
  18. Nutmeg Nanny says

    March 13, 2015 at 8:28 am

    Ok, I really need to try quinoa as a crust. I see it all over and it looks so good! I bet it has awesome crunch.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:03 am

      You would love them! And I can only imagine the creativity you would come up with!
      Reply
  19. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    March 13, 2015 at 9:22 am

    This may be the prettiest chicken fingers recipe EVER. How gorgeous is that quinoa?? And healthy too! Love this recipe!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Oh you are making me blush! thanks Trish!
      Reply
  20. Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says

    March 13, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    This is such a great recipe, love the idea of putting quinoa on for crunch!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Thanks so much Amy! It definitely upgrades them :)
      Reply
  21. Cyndi @ My Kitchen Craze says

    March 13, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    Your post is making me hungry. Can I have a few of those please? And that dipping sauce. My gosh you are making me hungry. I need to make these asap! Pinned!! Happy Weekend! ;)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:01 am

      I will gladly share with you! Thanks Cyndi!
      Reply
  22. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    March 13, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    You've turned this kid-classic into something special! I can image the crunch on these - nice!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Oh so crunchy! Thanks Patricia!
      Reply
  23. Sheryl @Lady Behind The Curtain says

    March 13, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    What a great idea! Love this.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Thanks so much Sheryl!
      Reply
  24. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

    March 14, 2015 at 10:56 am

    These are so flippin' clever, Meg! I need to try them ASAP.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:01 am

      You are so sweet ;) And you would love them Andi!
      Reply
  25. Catherine says

    March 14, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    Dear Meg, Your chicken looks marvelous! I love the coating...just a wonderful meal. xo, Catherine
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 15, 2015 at 8:00 am

      Why thank you Catherine! I love that added crunch!
      Reply
  26. Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says

    March 16, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    I am completely obsessed with quinoa and these quinoa chicken fingers look SO good! I bet my boys would gobble these up!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 17, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Oh I bet they would love them! My husband does!
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

Interested in easy recipes with meal prep tips?

Sign up & receive
- My Weekly Meal Planner
- Plus, you'll receive my FREE Top 15 Make Ahead Recipes eBook!

Search

Footer

SUBSCRIBE & JOIN TO RECEIVE A FREE FAST MEALS EBOOK!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
All Images and content are © With Salt and Wit. Please do not republish without prior consent. If you wish to share a recipe, please simply rewrite the directions, in your own words, with your own photos, and link back to the specific post to provide credit. If you have any questions or wish to republish anything, please contact me: megan {at} withsaltandwit {dot} com

Copyright© 2025 · by Shay Bocks